handicapable

English

Etymology

Blend of handicapped +‎ capable

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈhændɪkeɪpəbl̩/
• Hyphenation: han‧di‧cap‧a‧ble

Adjective

handicapable (not comparable)

1. (rare) Disabled or handicapped.

Noun

handicapable (plural handicapables)

1. (rare) A disabled person.
   • 2008, Greg Mandanis, The Genes of Wrath, page 193:

     After we went to all the trouble to only present photographs and posters of AmeriKKKa's only president in special hallmark wheelchair moments, handicapables feel that the photographic images are degrading to the integrity of FDR.

Usage notes

• Coined as a more positive-sounding term that emphasizes what people are capable of.
• Despite its positive intentions, the term is not universally well-liked, with some deeming it to be ableist. Jessica Ping-Wild, a disability advocate, considers this word to be an ableist term that "[determines] the weak from the weakest."
• Not to be confused with handicappable.

Synonyms

• differently able, differently abled